LESSON 2

 

FIRST GENERATION (1940-1956)

The first generation of computer were huge, slow, expensive and often unreliable. In 1946, two Americans, Presper Eckert and Willian Mauchly build the ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer). It use vacuum tube instead of mechanical switches of the MARK In 1951, Eckert and Mauchly build the UNIVAC, which could calculate at the rate of 10,000 addition per seconds. 

SECOND GENERATION (1956-1963)

The famous computer scientists during the second generation era were:

The creation of transistor spark the production of a wave of second generation computer. Transistor was small devices use to transfer electronic signals across a resister. Transistors had many advantages compared to other hardware technology.

  

THIRD GENERATION (1964-1971)

In the third generation era, the IBM 370 series were introduced in 1964. It came in several models and sizes.It was used for business and scientific programs. Other computer models introduced were CDC 7600 and B2500.

The development of integrated circuit (IC), signal the beginning of the third generation computers. Silicone chips were manufactured in 1961 at the Silicone Valley. Then came the integrated circuit technology, which had reduced the size and cost of computers.

It is a complete electronic circuit on a small chip of silicone. Which is also known as semi conductor. Other than that, the Magnetic Core Memory was replaced by a device called the microchip. Also the first 256 bit RAM was introduced and it was the basis for development of 1K bit RAM.

FOURTH GENERATION (1971-PRESENT)

It took only 55 years for the 4 generations to evolve. The growth of the computer industry developed technologies of computer inventions. There are many types of computer models such as:

·        Apple Macintosh

·        IBM

·        DELL

·        ACER

In 1971 Intel created the first microprocessor. In 1976, Steve Jobs built the first Apple computer. Then, in 1981, IBM introduced its first personal computer.

During the fourth generation,  hardware technology such as silicone chips,  microprocessor and storage devices were invented. A microprocessor is a specialized chip which is developed for computer memory and logic.

FIFTH GENERATION (PRESENT & BEYOND)

The fifth generation computing devices, based on artificial intelligence, are still in development, through there are some applications, such as voice recognition, that are being used today.

NEW ERA COMPUTER

After the fifth generation computer, the technology of computer has become more advanced, modern and sophisticated. The latest invention in the era of computers are :

·        Super Computers

·        Mainframe Computers

·        Mini Computers

·        Personal Computers

·        Mobile Computers

In the new era of computers, expert system such as teleconferencing and speech-recognition system have been invented as part of modern world communication tools.